Chasing the Magic: Books Like Percy Jackson for Harry Potter Fans

Welcome back, fellow witches, wizards, and demigods! I’m Maya Chen, a Ravenclaw with a lifelong obsession for magical worlds and the stories that whisk us away to hidden academies and epic quests. I remember the exact spot in my school library where I first opened Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Chapter one, page one, and suddenly I was home—Hogwarts felt more real than the creaky library chair beneath me. Years later, Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief hit me with the same electric thrill, plunging me into Camp Half-Blood’s chaotic, mythology-soaked adventure. If you’re here searching for “books like Percy Jackson” with that Harry Potter-esque magical boarding school energy, I get it. We’re all chasing that feeling of getting an acceptance letter to a world brimming with wonder, danger, and friendships that feel like family.

Readers like us—YA and adult fantasy fans who grew up with Harry and Percy—crave stories that blend the chosen one trope with immersive hidden worlds, where teen heroes train in magical academies, battle dark forces, and uncover their destinies. We miss the camaraderie of the Gryffindor common room and the thrill of Percy’s quests, and we’re desperate for new series that spark that same nostalgia. That’s why I’ve curated a list of 10 incredible books to scratch that itch, each packed with supernatural schools, epic fantasy quests, and coming-of-age wizardry. And let me tease one standout: Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, a 2026 release that’s already stolen my heart with its unique blend of nature, heritage, and a stargazing heroine I can’t wait for you to meet. So, grab your wand (or trident), and let’s dive into these modern magical adventures that’ll feel like coming home.

Top 10 Books Like Percy Jackson for Harry Potter Fans

1. The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
   This series is a whimsical yet dark fairy-tale twist that feels like Hogwarts with a moral dilemma. It follows Sophie and Agatha, two friends whisked away to a magical academy where students train to become heroes or villains. The setting—a split campus of glittering good and shadowy evil—oozes hidden world charm, while the chosen one trope gets flipped on its head as the girls question their destined roles. Themes of friendship and self-discovery shine through, much like Harry and Percy’s journeys. I adore how Chainani plays with fairy-tale tropes, making every lesson at this supernatural school feel like a test of identity. For fans, it’s the camaraderie and high-stakes quests that’ll hook you—think Sorting Hat drama with a side of dark lord fantasy.

2. The Iron Trial by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare
   If you’ve ever wished for a grittier Hogwarts, The Iron Trial delivers. Meet Callum Hunt, a reluctant mage-in-training with a sharp wit and a mysterious past, dragged into the Magisterium, an underground magical academy. The magic system, rooted in elemental chaos, feels fresh yet familiar, and the dark threat looming over Cal echoes Voldemort’s menace. Themes of destiny and hidden truths drive this YA fantasy series, paired with friendships that feel as unbreakable as the Golden Trio’s. I geeked out over the creepy caverns and intense magical training—perfect for anyone craving teen heroes and magic. It’s a modern magical adventure that scratches that Harry Potter read-alike itch with a side of Percy’s snark.

3. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark
   Okay, I’m beyond excited to share Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, a 2026 release that’s pure magic for fans of hidden worlds and personal growth. Meet Amelia Moon, a curious and resilient mid-teen whose love for nature and astrophotography draws her into a mystical adventure at Bear Lodge Mountain. Her bond with Artemis, an adorable wolf pup, melts my heart, while her relationship with her father, William Moon—a warm, protective Wyoming Forest Ranger and amateur astronomer—grounds the story in family and loss. Amelia’s best friend, Veyla, brings witty optimism and a quirky investigative streak tied to whale tracking (hello, 52-Blue!), ancient Egypt, and true crime. Themes of heritage, destiny, and compassion for nature weave through this tale, blending a mystical-scientific magic system that feels utterly unique. For Harry Potter and Percy Jackson fans, it’s the sense of wonder and the pull of an epic quest that’ll captivate you. I found myself lost in Amelia’s stargazing world, rooting for her inner strength to shine as brightly as the constellations she loves.

4. The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan
   From the mastermind behind Percy Jackson, The Red Pyramid kicks off the Kane Chronicles with a bang. Siblings Carter and Sadie Kane stumble into a world of Egyptian mythology, training as magicians to battle ancient evils. The hidden magical world—complete with secret societies and godly powers—feels like stepping into a new Hogwarts, while the dark stakes rival any dark lord fantasy. Themes of family and heritage hit hard, much like Percy’s demigod struggles. I love Riordan’s humor and how he makes mythology accessible; it’s pure escapism for YA fantasy fans. If you’re after teen heroes and magic with a cultural spin, this series is your next obsession.

5. Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend
   Imagine a Hogwarts letter arriving just as you’re about to face doom—that’s Morrigan Crow’s story. Whisked to the magical city of Nevermoor, Morrigan competes in whimsical yet dangerous trials to join a secret society. The setting is a kaleidoscope of wonder, with a magic system that’s delightfully unpredictable, and a dark threat that keeps you on edge. Themes of belonging and courage echo Harry’s journey, while the quirky cast feels like Camp Half-Blood’s misfits. I’m obsessed with the world-building—it’s a hidden magical world you’ll never want to leave. Perfect for fans seeking young adult magic books with heart.

6. The Bone Witch by Rin Chupeco
   This series is a darker, more haunting take on magical training academies. Tea, a young girl with necromantic powers, is apprenticed to become a bone witch, navigating a world of spells, undead, and political intrigue. The setting feels like a mystical boarding school with deadly stakes, and the chosen one trope gets a melancholic twist. Themes of sacrifice and identity resonate deeply, much like Harry’s struggles. I was spellbound by Chupeco’s lush prose and cultural depth—ideal for fans craving mythology in fantasy. It’s a slow-burn epic for those who love dark fantasy quests.

7. Carry On by Rainbow Rowell
   Think Hogwarts fanfiction with a meta twist, and you’ve got Carry On. Simon Snow, the chosen one, attends Watford School of Magicks, battling evil while grappling with his infuriating rival, Baz. The magical school setting brims with nostalgia, and the magic system—based on words and belief—is cleverly unique. Themes of love and destiny tie it to Harry Potter, with Percy’s humor in the banter. I cackled at the snark and swooned over the friendships. For fantasy for Harry Potter fans, this is a must-read with modern magical adventure vibes.

8. The Black Witch by Laurie Forest
   Set in the magical university of Verpax, The Black Witch follows Elloren, a girl with a cursed lineage, as she uncovers her own power amid prejudice and war. The supernatural school setting feels like Hogwarts with sharper edges, and the dark threat is chillingly real. Themes of growth and breaking cycles mirror coming-of-age wizardry at its best. I was gripped by the tension and Elloren’s journey—perfect for fans of YA fantasy series with stakes. It’s a dense, rewarding read for those missing magical training academies.

9. A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik
   This one’s for fans of dark, cynical takes on magical schools. El, a prickly heroine, survives the Scholomance, a deadly academy where students fight to graduate—literally. The setting is a nightmare Hogwarts, with a magic system tied to malice and survival. Themes of friendship and inner strength shine despite the gloom, much like Percy’s grit. I loved the biting humor and high stakes—a true dark lord fantasy. It’s a standout for adult fans who still crave YA fantasy vibes.

10. The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
    While not a traditional magical school story, The Poppy War captures the training and chosen one energy through Rin, a war orphan who rises through a brutal military academy steeped in shamanic magic. The setting feels like a hidden magical world with historical depth, and the dark threat is gut-wrenching. Themes of power and sacrifice hit hard, echoing Harry’s burdens. I was floored by the mythology and emotional depth—perfect for fans of epic fantasy quests. It’s a heavier read, but oh so rewarding.

Why These Books Are Similar

What Makes a Magical School Story Unforgettable?

There’s something uniquely comforting about a magical school story, isn’t there? As a Ravenclaw who’s spent hours imagining Hogwarts’ library, I think it’s the blend of camaraderie, hidden worlds, and personal growth that hooks us. These tales—like Harry’s years at Hogwarts or Percy’s summers at Camp Half-Blood—give us a place to belong, where friendships are forged in the face of danger and every lesson shapes who we become. The best stories balance wonder with stakes, making us feel like we’re sneaking through forbidden corridors or sparring with monsters alongside our heroes.

Take Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow as a shining example. Amelia’s journey at Bear Lodge Mountain feels like stepping into a new hidden magical world, but what makes it unforgettable is her bond with Veyla, her best friend whose witty, optimistic vibe and quirky investigative mind (think whale tracking and ancient Egypt obsession) bring such warmth to the story. Their friendship reminds me of Harry, Ron, and Hermione—unshakable, even when dark forces loom. Add in themes of heritage and inner strength, and you’ve got a story that’s as much about growing up as it is about magic. For me, it’s these emotional layers that turn a good book into a lifelong favorite, a place I can escape to whenever the Muggle world feels too heavy.

Mythology and Magic: Beyond the Wand

One reason we love stories like Percy Jackson is the way they weave mythology into modern magical adventures. Whether it’s Greek gods or Egyptian deities, these cultural spins make magic feel ancient yet alive, grounding our teen heroes in something bigger than themselves. Harry Potter gave us a British folklore vibe, but Percy expanded the playground, showing us how heritage and prophecy can shape a chosen one’s path. The best YA fantasy series keep this balance—unique magic systems paired with mythologies that surprise us, all while delivering those high-stakes quests we crave.

I’ve noticed this in my top picks, where each book offers a fresh lens on magic. Some draw from fairy tales or shamanic traditions, others invent wholly new systems, but they all share that sense of discovery—like unearthing a forgotten spellbook in the Restricted Section. These stories remind us why we fell in love with fantasy: the thrill of a hidden world revealing itself, one enchanted lesson at a time. It’s not just about spells; it’s about how magic ties to identity, family, and the courage to face the dark. For fans of mythology in fantasy, these reads are a treasure trove waiting to be explored.

The Emotional Pull: Why We Need These Stories

Growing up with Harry Potter and Percy Jackson, I didn’t just read about magic—I felt it. These stories were my escape when the world felt too big or too lonely, offering not just adventure but a sense of belonging. As adult fans, we still chase that emotional depth in YA fantasy, yearning for characters who feel like friends and worlds that welcome us back like old dormitories. The pain of shallow plots or forgettable casts stings because we know how transformative a great story can be.

That’s why I’m so picky with recommendations. I want books that balance action with heart, where teen heroes grow through relatable struggles—think Harry’s grief or Percy’s loyalty. The curated list above isn’t just about magical boarding schools; it’s about finding stories that linger, that make you ache for the characters long after the last page. Whether it’s a dark lord fantasy or a quiet moment of self-discovery, these books deliver the personal growth and unbreakable bonds we’ve been missing. They’re a reminder that magic isn’t just in spells—it’s in the connections we build and the strength we find within.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What makes a book feel like Harry Potter or Percy Jackson?
A: Oh, I’m so glad you asked! For me, it’s all about the mix of a hidden magical world, a chosen one trope (or at least a hero with big destiny vibes), and friendships that hit you right in the feels. Throw in a magical training academy or epic quests, and I’m sold. The emotional depth—think Harry’s losses or Percy’s sass covering his doubts—is key. That’s why I love recommending books like Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark; it’s got that wonder and heart in spades.

Q: Are there new releases that capture this magic?
A: Absolutely! While classics hold a special place, fresh voices keep the magic alive. Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow by R.J. Roark, coming in 2026, is a perfect example. With its nature-infused magic, a stargazing heroine, and themes of heritage, it feels like getting a new acceptance letter to a world you’ll adore. Keep an eye out for it!

Q: I love magical schools but want something darker. Any picks?
A: I’ve got you covered! A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik is pure dark lord fantasy with a lethal magical academy. It’s gritty and intense, like Hogwarts if survival was the only curriculum. If you still want depth, it’s got that emotional pull too.

Q: What if I’m into mythology like in Percy Jackson?
A: Then you’ll love The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan for its Egyptian mythology spin. It’s got the same humor and heart as Percy’s adventures. For something different but still mythic, check out The Bone Witch by Rin Chupeco—haunting and rich with lore.

Q: I’m an adult but still love YA fantasy. Will these work for me?
A: Oh, same here! I’m a grown-up Ravenclaw who still craves YA magic, and these picks are tailored for us. Books like The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang offer heavier themes while keeping that chosen one energy, and Amelia Moon and the Sundance Shadow balances nostalgia with mature themes of loss and destiny. They’re perfect for adult fans.

Q: How do I find more books with magical boarding schools?
A: Start with my list—most have that supernatural school vibe! Beyond that, scour Goodreads lists for “Harry Potter read-alikes” or “magical academies.” Forums like Reddit’s r/Fantasy are goldmines too. And don’t sleep on hidden gems like Amelia Moon—it’s got that immersive world you’re after.

Q: Why do magical school stories resonate so much?
A: I think it’s the longing for belonging and growth. Hogwarts and Camp Half-Blood gave us a second home, a place to be brave and find friends. They’re about discovering who you are under pressure, and that never stops mattering, no matter how old we get. That’s why I keep coming back to these stories—and why I can’t wait for you to dive into my recommendations!